2025
ALL WILL BE MOST WELCOME AT OUR PHYSICAL MEETINGS. However, a small charge (currently £2) per meeting is made for non-members.
Meetings are held on Zoom from December to February, which only members can attend. Any visits we arrange are also member only events. All other meetings are held in the Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square at 7 pm for a 7.30 pm start (rear of the Central Library in Kings Road).
| DATE | PROGRAMME |
| 2025 19 Nov | Presidential Address: VOICES OF READING: ASPECTS OF LIFE IN THE ‘LONG 18TH CENTURY’ – Joan Dils Our president Joan Dils will use diaries, letters, newspaper reports and court records as sources of what real life was like at this time. |
| 17 Dec | EMMER GREEN CHALK TUNNELS – Robin Kent (via ZOOM) Find out about this mysterious underground location in Reading. |
| 2026 21 Jan | A WALK ALONG THE RIVER THAMES FROM PANGBOURNE TO MARLOW – Bill King (via ZOOM) Bill’s presentation will include stunning images of life along the Thames, including Reading |
| 18 Feb | PHOTO QUIZ – Vicki Chesterman (via ZOOM) How many places do you recognise in historic Reading? Test your memory with some seldom seen scenes of Reading |
| 18 Mar | ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING followed by THE HISTORY OF CAVERSHAM PARK OVER 930 YEARS – Dr Stephen Goss Dr Stephen Goss will enlighten us on Caversham lives and buildings and their impact on English history |
| 15 April | NORTHCOURT AVENUE: ITS HISTORY AND PEOPLE – Penny Kemp Penny has published an updated book on some of her fascinating neighbours and their Arts and Crafts homes |
| 20 May | FROM BLACKBOARD TO MORTARBOARD: ADULT EDUCATION IN READING – Dr Margaret Simons Dr Margaret Simons will also include the 100th anniversary of the University of Reading’s charter |
| 17 June | VISIT – RISC with Martin Mikhail (members only) |
| 15 July | VISIT – HENLEY ROAD CEMETERY (members only) |
| 16 Sept | 1500 YEARS OF CHRISTIANITY IN READING – John Dearing This talk is based on a new book by our Vice Chairman John Dearing – ‘How the Good News came to Reading’ |
| 21 Oct | THE LAST HORSE DEALERS IN READING: OLIVER DIXON’S – Caroline Piller Caroline will describe how dealers, like the Eighteens, did business, including with royalty, and their demise |
| 18 Nov | Presidential Address: STREET LIFE IN TUDOR AND STUART READING – Joan Dils We are delighted to welcome back our president Joan Dils, to bring to life one of her wonderful pieces of local research |
| 16 Dec | FROM HORSE TO ELECTRIC: THE RISE AND FALL OF READING’S TRAMWAYS – Dr Richard Marks (via ZOOM) This well illustrated talk by Dr Richard Marks will show us a lost piece of local history |
Details of our meetings can also be found on Facebook and other social media.